Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers drive-in camping options just 30 minutes from Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Campsites vary from secluded wooded sites to more open spaces across multiple loops, with most sites featuring fire rings with cooking grates. This regional campground maintains 97 sites spread across 2,700 acres of protected land, with camping season typically running from early May through mid-September.
What to do
Swimming in filtered ponds: Lake Elmo County Park Reserve maintains a unique swimming facility that combines natural surroundings with pool-like cleanliness. "They have a home made lake that has a sand bottom but it has chlorine like a pool so no weeds. Great for swimming," notes one visitor to Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
Kayaking on small lakes: The quiet waters at Lebanon Hills Regional Park provide ideal conditions for paddling. "Nice little lake to kayak on," reports one camper at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The park rents single and double kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards at their beach area.
Hiking varied terrain: William O'Brien State Park features trails that showcase the diverse landscape of the St. Croix River Valley. "The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," explains a winter visitor about night hiking at William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Rice Creek Campgrounds provides access to several connected lakes with fishing opportunities. The park includes multiple shore fishing spots and boat launches. "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," notes a camper who enjoyed the lakeside setting.
What campers like
Secluded sites within city limits: Despite being in urban areas, many campgrounds near Falcon Heights offer surprising privacy. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear... Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," shares a visitor.
Proximity to urban amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers a wilderness experience with city conveniences nearby. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," remarks one camper.
Clean facilities: Baker Campground maintains high standards for their bathhouses. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground," reports a camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. Many campgrounds in this region feature regularly cleaned shower facilities and restrooms.
Year-round availability: Several parks like William O'Brien State Park and Afton State Park remain open through winter months. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota," recounts a winter visitor who stayed in one of the park's cabins.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping spots near Falcon Heights, Minnesota require advance booking, especially during summer. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises a Lebanon Hills camper.
Insect populations: Mosquitoes and ticks are common throughout Minnesota camping areas, particularly in summer months. "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off! No joke," warns a visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds. Bug spray is essential during warm months.
Noise considerations: While many campgrounds feel secluded, some sites experience ambient sounds. "When the wind died down, you could also occasionally hear the loud motorcycles on the highway," mentions a camper at William O'Brien State Park.
Firewood sourcing: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and other area campgrounds sell firewood, but quality and price vary. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," suggests one camper at Rice Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Explore dedicated swimming areas: "The filtered swimming pond has a sandy bottom and is surrounded by a nice sand beach," notes a Lake Elmo visitor. Most swimming areas open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Look for playground proximity: Willow River State Park Campground offers recreation options for children. "Great camping and hiking. We loved the falls. Our family spent a week here," shares a family who visited with children. The park features a playground near the campground.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes a visitor to Afton State Park.
Pack for weather changes: Minnesota temperatures can fluctuate significantly, even in summer. "June as the prefect time for us to go. Warm days and cool nights make for great camping and campfires," advises a Willow River camper who visited with family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps. We stayed at site 72 which is at the beginning of the loop," explains an RV camper at Lebanon Hills.
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Falcon Heights offer electric sites, but not all provide full hookups. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be. The sites are about as private as the typical state park," notes a camper at Baker Park Reserve.
Dump station access: Several parks including Lebanon Hills and Lake Elmo provide sanitary dump stations. "We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," mentions a Lebanon Hills camper traveling with a teardrop trailer.
Winter camping limitations: RVers should note that most campgrounds with hookups close seasonally. "We were able to utilize water and electric hookups. We stayed the last night of their camping season," reports a late-season RV camper at Lake Elmo County Park Reserve.
